Dr. Bruce Perry: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Your Entire Life
5/19/20261 hr 19 min
In this episode of We’re Out Of Time, Richard Taite sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Bruce Perry for a powerful conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, healing, and the lifelong impact of early experiences. Dr. Perry, co-author of “What Happened to You?” with Oprah Winfrey and “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog,” shares how the brain develops in childhood and why our earliest relationships shape the way we think, react, connect, and cope as adults.
Together, Richard and Dr. Perry explore how trauma alters the developing brain, why addiction is often rooted in unresolved pain, and how healing begins with safety, regulation, and human connection. They discuss the growing “relational poverty” in today’s world, the effects of social media and disconnection, and why routines, movement, community, and meaningful relationships are essential for emotional well-being.
Throughout the episode, Richard opens up about his own experiences working in addiction treatment and reflects on the emotional toll of helping people heal. The conversation is raw, insightful, and deeply human, offering a new perspective on trauma, recovery, parenting, mental health, and resilience.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsBruce Perry· Guest0:00
You get a number of experiences where you're sort of the balance of good starts to overcome the, the experiences where people didn't-- weren't there, and they did let you down, and they kind of disappointed you. It's a lucky person that has that relational catalog that allows them to then take advantage of the people that want to help you in the future.
Speaker 20:22
[upbeat music] If someone has a problem with substance use disorder, please call One Call Placement. That's 888-831-1581, and if we can't help you, we'll make a referral to someone who can. One Call Placement is affiliated with Carrera Treatment Wellness & Spa and One Method Treatment Centers.
Richard Taite· Host0:58
We have someone very special here today. Dr. Bruce Perry is one of the world's leading experts on childhood trauma, brain development, and resilience. A psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and clinician with over 40 years of experience, his work has transformed how we understand the lasting impact of abuse, neglect, and adversity, and how healing actually happens. He is the principal of the Neurosequential